Introduction
Hosea 14 is a powerful and hopeful chapter, a plea from God to His people to return to Him. It’s a message of love, forgiveness, and restoration, even after immense rebellion. For young people navigating a complex world, this message is incredibly relevant. Let’s dive in!
Reading: Hosea 14:1-9
Discussion and Exploration
“Return, Israel, to the Lord your God.” (v.1): What does it mean to “return” to God? Think about a time you might have drifted away from something important, like a friendship or a hobby. How did you return? How is returning to God similar or different?
“Take words with you and return to the Lord.” (v. 2): What kind of “words” do you think are important when returning to God? Are they words of apology, praise, commitment, or something else? Why are words important in our relationship with God?
“Assyria cannot save us; we will not mount our warhorses. We will no longer say ‘Our gods’ to what our own hands have made, for in you the fatherless find compassion.” (v.3): This verse highlights the futility of relying on anything other than God. What are some “Assyrias” (things we might rely on for security or happiness) in our lives today? Why do they ultimately fail to satisfy?
“I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them.” (v.4): This is a beautiful promise of God’s grace. What does it mean to you that God loves us “freely”? How does this verse contrast with the idea of earning God’s love?
“I will be like a dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily. Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots.” (v.5): This verse uses powerful imagery to describe the blessings of returning to God. What do these images (dew, lily, cedar) suggest about the kind of life God offers?
“His young shoots will grow, his splendour will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon.” (v.6): How does this verse build on the imagery of the previous verse? What does it mean to have “young shoots” and “send down roots” spiritually?
“People will dwell again in his shade; they will flourish like the grain; they will blossom like a vine; his fame will be like the wine of Lebanon.” (v.7): This verse speaks of restoration and fruitfulness. What are some “fruits” of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23? How do these relate to the imagery in Hosea?
“Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? I will answer him and care for him. I am like a flourishing juniper; your fruitfulness comes from me.” (v.8): God’s question to Ephraim is rhetorical. He is showing his complete and utter commitment. What does it mean that our “fruitfulness comes from” God?
“Who is wise? Let them understand these things. Who is discerning? Let them know. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.” (v.9): This concluding verse calls for wisdom and discernment. How can we gain wisdom and discernment in our lives? How does this verse connect to the idea of “returning” to God?
Connecting to the New Testament and Jesus
Hosea 14 points towards the ultimate restoration and reconciliation made possible through Jesus Christ. Just as God pleaded with Israel to return, Jesus calls us to repentance and faith in Him. He is the “dew” that refreshes our souls, the “cedar of Lebanon” whose strength we can rely on, and the source of our true fruitfulness (John 15:1-8). Jesus embodies God’s unwavering love and forgiveness as shown in Hosea. In the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), we see a beautiful illustration of God’s desire for our return and His lavish grace upon our repentance, mirroring God’s posture in Hosea.
Practical Application
Self-Reflection: Take some time to reflect on your own relationship with God. Are there any areas where you need to “return”?
Confession and Repentance: If you recognize areas where you’ve drifted away, take time to confess and repent. Don’t just say the words, but truly turn back to God.
Focus on God: Identify any “Assyrias” in your life that you’re relying on instead of God. Make a conscious effort to shift your focus back to Him.
Cultivate Fruitfulness: Ask God to help you grow in the fruit of the Spirit. What specific steps can you take to nurture these qualities in your life?
Prayer
Lord, we thank you for your unwavering love and your desire for our return. We confess that we often turn to other things for fulfilment and security. Please forgive us and help us to turn back to you with all our hearts. Help us to be like the flourishing plants described in Hosea, drawing our life and strength from you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Blessing
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)
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